Vegas Golden Knights: Three Keys to beating Canucks in Game 3

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Jacob Markstrom #25 of the Vancouver Canucks makes the third period save against Jonathan Marchessault #81 of the Vegas Golden Knights during the third period in Game Two of the Western Conference Second Round. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images) /

Key 1. Set the tone early

Both the Golden Knights and the Vancouver Canucks should be well-rested after having an extra few days off.

It is a good job given that they will now have to navigate a back-to-back this weekend with Game 4 on Sunday.

And, as a result, the Golden Knights will need to start as they mean to go on in Game 3.

They need to be ready to set the tone from the first drop of the puck tonight, be ready to take the game to the Canucks and be ready to dominate.

Vegas got away from their heavy style of hockey in Game 2 and they will need to get back to it in Game 3.

Laying the body on early, getting pucks on net and battling hard in the corners from the get-go will help the Golden Knights to establish their game while stifling Vancouver.

If the Knights can do that and assert themselves on the game early then that should help them to land the first blow of the night and take control from there.

They can’t afford a repeat of Game 2 where the Canucks scored first and then set about frustrating Vegas, including blocking an incredible 40 shots.

By playing their heavy game and getting after the Canucks early, the Golden Knights should force open the shooting lanes and the rest should follow.

Start slow and allow Vancouver to build on their confidence from Game 2, though, and it could be a long night.

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